Protest Outside UK Parliament Against Deportation of Afghan Refugees and Genocide of Pashtuns
4/23/2025
PTM UK Holds Protest Outside UK Parliament Against Forced Deportation of Afghan Refugees and Genocide of Pashtuns
London – 23 April 2025:
The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) held a major protest outside the British Parliament in Westminster to condemn Pakistan’s ongoing oppression of Afghan refugees, including looting, forced deportations, and to raise their voice against the continuous injustices faced by Pashtuns in occupied Pashtunkhwa.
Protesters called for an immediate end to the inhumane treatment of Afghan refugees. Speakers denounced the night-time raids on refugee homes, the looting of property, and the violation of dignity, stating that these actions breach both Islamic principles and international human rights laws. The current situation was described as a full-scale humanitarian crisis. Protesters urged international organisations to take practical steps towards justice.
Key issues raised during the protest included:
Condemnation of the “Pashtun Minerals Act”, which provides legal access to Pashtun natural resources for the military.
The ongoing genocide of Pashtuns under the guise of anti-terror operations.
Demands for justice for Mufti Munir Shakir and all Pashtun martyrs.
Immediate release of PTM leadership and activists.
Immediate release of Dr Mah Rang Baloch, head of the Baloch Solidarity Committee, and other activists.
Speakers included:
Manzoor Pashteen, PTM leader, stated that the forced deportation of Afghan refugees by Pakistan is a blatant act of injustice, linked to the looting of Pashtun resources, genocide, and the imprisonment of activists. He called for the immediate release of all PTM prisoners.
Noorullah Tareen, PTM Sindh Coordinator, highlighted the discrimination faced by Pashtuns in cities like Karachi. He described actions against Afghan refugees as part of the broader campaign of hatred towards Pashtuns and called for unity among all oppressed communities.
Noor Bacha, PTM Balochistan Coordinator, noted that both Pashtuns and Baloch people are suffering under the oppression of the Pakistani military. He spoke against the plundering of natural resources and the abduction of activists.
Abdul Malik Ahmadi, PTM London Coordinator, criticised international institutions for their silence regarding the refugee crisis and urged Afghans across the world to raise their voices against oppression.
Ismail Sadat, Head of PTM UK’s Disciplinary Committee, described the Pashtun Minerals Act as a legalised form of theft, claiming it reflects the military’s bid for economic control.
Mohammad Essa Zazai, PTM Manchester Coordinator, condemned the forced deportations and labelled the ban on girls’ education in Afghanistan as a severe injustice.
Ms Yalda Bazwan, Head of PTM UK’s Women’s Wing, drew attention to the double burden of oppression faced by Afghan women and appealed to the international community to support girls’ education.
Noorzaman Khan, human rights activist, denounced the looting of Pashtun resources, the imprisonment of activists, and the silence of international bodies. She called for immediate international intervention.
Bacha Kamwal, a courageous social media activist and human rights defender, spoke passionately about continuing the struggle for justice and dignity. He asserted that the fight for equality would continue until justice is achieved for all.
The protest concluded with chants calling for unity, dignity, and human rights. PTM reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful struggle until the voices of the oppressed are heard and justice is served.
A resolution was read at the end of the protest and will be sent to the UK Parliament, political parties, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and international human rights organisations.
This wave of PTM protests was launched at the request of leader Manzoor Pashteen, following Pakistan’s harsh and unjust crackdown and forced deportation of Afghan refugees. Similar demonstrations have taken place in cities across Pashtunkhwa, Europe, Canada, and the United States, with others being planned.